My column about festive birthdays sparked some interesting feedback, with most declaring that they don’t like it and would prefer to have a birthday at a different time of year, away from Christmas.

Claire D was born on December 20 and says: “I hate joint Christmas/birthday cards or presents. Sometimes people forget my birthday because of Christmas, or I get birthday gifts wrapped in Christmas paper.” She also points out that it’s often tricky to find places to eat that do a normal menu not just Christmas food. “I would love a summer birthday,” she says.

Sarah R’s birthday is on December 20 too and she tries to be as organised as possible, making sure that all the Christmas presents are bought and wrapped before the 20th and that "Christmas stops for just a day" so she can enjoy her birthday to the full. She adds: “I did a joint 50th in the summer with my husband and it was much better! I find I am mellowing with this the older I become, and I'm just glad family and friends are around to call by.”

That’s a valid sentiment which is shared by Rob F, whose birthday falls on December 16: “I guess it would be nice to have it in July, but I’m getting to that age when I don’t give a monkey’s when it is… just as long as they keep coming!”

Jenny Jagger, who celebrates on December 29, declares: “It’s rubbish. I made sure I had my babies in the spring!” She also tried celebrating in the summer, but says people tended to forget her birthday altogether.

Katie W says: “I'm a December birthday and I don't like it. Christmas cards come before birthday cards in the post!”

Clare P adds: “We happily have all our birthdays in the summer, so we can have shared celebrations, but when the girls (both August) were small we made sure to celebrate their individual birthdays so they both got equal attention. I remember a friend's daughter's birthday being January 2 and it often got forgotten because everyone was exhausted from the festive season!”

Michael K’s daughter Rose was born on Boxing Day 2014: “For me this is a pain because Christmas has to be finished or put on the back burner. When at home, I used to look forward to a second roast dinner or a visit to a working men’s club for a pint and a bag of crisps. Rose now chooses what she would like to eat and would agree that some of her celebration gets mixed up with Christmas. Presents seem to be smaller too. My wife believes Rose should have a half birthday but this creates issues with her brother and her friends who don’t know what to buy her etc. I will never, however, forget dinner on Boxing Day 2014.” I bet he won’t!

Elise D says: “Our Jack’s (aged seven) is on December 16. We always put decorations up on the first weekend of December and he doesn’t seem bothered. I’m sure he will as he gets older though.”

I think Elise has a point in thinking that young children don’t mind having a festive birthday, but as they get older they begin to notice things they might be missing out on.

Bella B has a double whammy, with herself and her five-year-old daughter Heidi both having New Year birthdays.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Bella B and her daughter Heidi, who both have New Year birthdays

“Having a birthday on December 30 has always been a weird one. I’ve never truly been able to celebrate with a big group of people on the day itself because they want a quieter day before the New Year’s party after a busy festive period. Luckily Heidi’s birthday is on New Year’s Eve and there is always a party so she will always be around people to celebrate.”

John Walker seems to be the lone adult voice who doesn’t mind having a festive birthday. His falls on New Year’s Eve and he says: “I used to get invited round to the next-door neighbours’ to celebrate. It’s a great time to have a birthday, just about everyone worldwide celebrates it!” And the obliging neighbour who would always throw a party? Well, that was me!

Are there any more of you out there who enjoy having a festive birthday? If so, do get in touch!

Contact me via my webpage at countrymansdaughter.com, or email dst@nne.co.uk.